Rainbow FC striker called up to South Sudan's provisional squad for U20 AFCON

Rainbow FC Kenya's striker Paul Jawa has been called up to South Sudan's U-20 provisional squad that is in camp preparing for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Egypt next month from February 19 to March 11.

Jawa is among the 51 players named in the provisional squad and reported to camp last week comprising of five goalkeepers, nine defenders, 20 midfielders, and 15 strikers.

The team began its preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday of last week, a day after its head coach Charles John Gait and his assistant Deng Abukalam Bak were fired by the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), with Senior National Team’s head Coach, Stefano Cuzin, and his assistants being present for the session.

Announcing the call-up, Rainbow FC expressed their confidence that their player will leave a great mark at the international stage.

"We are thrilled to announce that Paul Jawa 'Messi' has been chosen to represent South Sudan in the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt. Congratulations to Paul, we are confident he will make a great impression on the international stage," the club wrote.

The Bright Stars qualified for the African Cup of Nations for the first time last year after finishing second in the CECAFA qualifications in Sudan where they lost 2-1 to Uganda.

South Sudan has been placed in Group B, alongside Uganda, Central African Republic, and Congo.